If you give something a name like the nude you say that it is basically not there. Much like the emperors new clothes. The NUDE case from SwitchEasy makes bold claims about the iPhone 4 being as naked as it can be. At 1 millimetre thickness the NUDE is definitely super thin, but I have an even thinner case already reviewed in the monCarbone HoverCoat. Needless to say that takes some of the edge of the claims of the NUDE. I will however judge each case on its own merits, and sadly the NUDE falthers at some key points not associated with thickness.
The NUDE is made from a hard polycarbonate that is strong and rigid. At 1 millimetre the case lines up well with the volume controls, and silent button. It is quite easy to insert the phone in the case. Getting it out is much harder though, as the case gets stuck on the volume controls, mute switch and silent button. I have to pry really hard to get it off. I am not worried that the case will break, but rather that I will harm the buttons on the phone. If you are prone to changing cases often this needs to be taken into consideration.
For protection the case offers really good scratch protection, and good impact protection. As the material is rigid it isn’t as good at dispersing the force of impact as for example carbon fiber or silicone. The case covers the entire back and sides. All controls are well encased. There is no protection at all for the front or front edges. Two screen films are included for the screen. As with all SwitchEasy products there is a lot of extras in the package. Detachable protectors for the headphone socket and connector are included. This is one of the true strengths of SwitchEasy, and generally a strong selling point.
I have an issue with the NUDE when it comes to the feel of the case. First of all the edges are quite sharp, and it is uncomfortable touching the sides of the phone. These edges are also unpolished, and there are traces of the mould still there that are also sharp. The material of the case is slippery, and it smudges really easily. Already after a couple of hours the case looks greasy and worn.
The SwitchEasy NUDE does a lot of things right such as being thin, light and offering basic protection. Being hard to remove and having hard unpolished cases makes me hesitant to recommend it.
Final Rating
